How Long Can You Leave Leave-In Conditioner In Your Hair?

Last Updated on November 5, 2020 by Janie Wilson

woman in white long-sleeved shirt standing in front of pink wall
Sleeping in your conditioner is a less frequent occurrence than using it to refresh dry hair. Some people do leave the conditioner in their hair overnight. This is because they want to make sure they use the right amount on their hair. You wouldn’t want to use the conditioner for a 2-hour deep conditioning treatment on dry hair. Thus, you try it once or twice to make sure you are applying the right amount. This is without making it a deep conditioning session. If you don’t like it, you never do it again.
 
It could be then argued that sleeping with a conditioner on your hair overnight is not harmful. After all, you do get wet when you go swimming, but that isn’t equal to sleeping in a conditioner. Swimming for a couple of hours is not the same as keeping your hair wrapped in a conditioner all night long. They’re both water-related activities, yes. But, how they interact with your hair is different.
 
Your hair reaction depends on several factors. These are the amount and type of conditioner you use, how dirty your hair is, and even the type of pillowcase you use. If you wake up with flat, tangled, or greasy hair, then something has gone wrong. Thus, the hair routine you have been using needs to change.
 
If the results are not what you were expecting, then the conditioner is not the best for your hair on that day. The amount of conditioner applied to your hair may vary every day. Your hair might not seem dry enough to be then conditioned on that day. But, it actually needs to be then treated for that particular day.
woman showing brown hair
 
If at any time you feel that your hair regimen is not working out, then stop what you’re doing. Replace it with a hair regimen that does work out for your hair. There is no set firm routine for conditioning your hair, but everyone’s routine is different. It may take some experimentation to find the right one for you, but once you do, your hair will be at its healthiest.
 
Curlies with high porosity and low elasticity will need moisture retention and protein. Some curlies will have medium or low porosity, thick textures, and high elasticity. This type of hair needs a routine that consists of protein and some moisture.
 
So if you keep waking up with flat, greasy, or tangled hair, it’s time to change your hair regimen. You might want to change the products you use or use a different one. You may also want to try a deep conditioning regime. This regime includes a rinse, a pre-shampoo treatment, or a heat treatment. Experiment with mousses, creams, or light gels, moisturize more, and condition less often. You can try an all-natural routine that includes only natural ingredients.
 
If you use a natural regimen, heat therapy for your hair promotes natural function. Although it is not recommended if you are on the no-processing regimen. Make sure that the products you buy are then made by manufacturers that support your hair goals. Make sure the products you use are not harmed by heat.
 
You can also try a long-term hair regimen with at least two products before committing to it. Give it at least two weeks every time you change your hair regimen so you can see the effects. You can also request customer reviews of the product you are considering. These are some things you can do to find the right long-term hair regimen for you.
 
Take charge of your hair. Do not be then seduced by products that promise instant results with little effort.
 
Deep Conditioning Overnight Is Not Recommended Because Of The Following Reasons :
 
  1. It can increase the porosity of your hair. Which in turn, will affect your hair strands by making them absorb more water. This causes them to swell and making your naturally thick hair even flatter. It can also increase the elasticity of your hair. Your hair strands buckle under the heavyweight of the new water or the new conditioner you are using.
  2. It can increase the chance of breakage. Since it is then tubed away from the scalp the hair strands will be then pulled away from the scalp by accident. By not having the protection of the scalp, the hair strands cannot be kept from tangling together. Which in turn, can cause them to break.
  3. If left for too long, it will lead to damage. The conditioner can clog the pores of your hair. Which in turn will increase the chance of your hair strands to be then clogged too. By clogging the pores, you will lose the natural moisture of your hair strands. Also, you will lose the nutrients that flow through the pores of your hair. Which in turn, will affect the natural shine. That includes the natural bounce and the natural freedom of your hair strands. Clogging can also lead to several split ends, which in turn, will make your hair even flatter. But if you like to have flat hair, you can’t go wrong with some deep conditioning overnight.
 
Unfortunately, not all hair care routines work for all curlies. That’s why curlies need to experiment with different hair regimens. This is until they find one that works for them. It’s very normal to have messy hair for a while while you try to find the right hair regimen for you.
 
If you have curly hair and want to take control of your hair, you should read this article. This talks about taking control of your hair. It will motivate you to try a new hair regimen and will give you a step-by-step guide on how to get there.
woman in black tank top standing beside leafless tree during daytime
 
If you need a leave-in conditioner, I recommend Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner. This will not dry out your hair. It’s light and it won’t make your hair waxy or flat. If you have a lot of tangles, this is the best leave-in conditioner for you because it detangles while you sleep.
 
When you wake up in the morning, just wet your hair. Apply some styling product and scrunch to get some definition and you’re good to go.
 
Some people would get offended that I told them that deep conditioner can damage your hair. But, you have to know how to use your hair products. Use a little and you will be okay. In the past, I don’t know what I was thinking. But I used the entire amount of the bottle thinking that I will achieve great hair. But no… it just made my hair flat and looked greasy. So, just be careful.
 
Good luck and hope this advice was helpful!
Janie Wilson
Janie Wilson

Janie Wilson, a former fashion model and photographer, dedicated beauty expert and prolific writer on all topics related to fashion, beauty, hair and skin care. I started this website a few years ago when I felt that I have had enough of a hectic lifestyle and need to settle down. Presently, I live with my loving-and-caring husband in New York, but I travel around the world pretty often to derive inspiration for my fashion blog. Yes, let me admit that I am fairly obsessed with anything related to fashion and style. All things from fashion to grooming are things I study all the time whenever I get an opportunity, and my biggest joy in life is to help men and women look their best!